So happy to see this story updated! Impeccably written as always. I liked the master healer, willing to put pride and ego aside to gain new knowledge for Gondor regardless of the source.

Larner

Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 10/22/2016

The Master of the Houses recognizes a teacher when that teacher comes to him, and Denethor stands reproved by his father. And Thorongil will receive back his sword.

Well, well done.

obsidianj

Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 10/22/2016

Thanks for updating the story. I was fearing it would be left unfinished. But this new chapter was worth the wait. Thorongil cannot hide who he is. Circumstances are conspiring against him. I think Ecthelion might be the first to realize who or what he is. Denethor is too stubborn to entertain the notion, and he is not privy of all the puzzle pieces. Ecthelion as the Steward and not biased against Thorongil has more information earlier. Denethor I think will work it out eventually, but it will take him longer.

Loved Ecthelions intervention about the sword. Let's just hope that Denethor listens to his father and does not delay unduly on some pretext or other.

someone

Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 10/21/2016

Thorongil is under scrutiny from so many different directions that it must feel suffocating. I wonder if he fully realizes how strange he seems to be, from Gondorian point of view...

I like the relationship between Ecthelion and Denethor. Official, but it is easy to see the love beneath. Denethor is proud and stubborn, but can change his mind when needed - or, when told to. At least, I hope that he will give the sword back, and we already know that there is going to be a wall around Pelennor.

Lovely little domestic scene between Denethor and his sisters. They are well matched, all of them intelligent and stubborn in their own ways.

Then, for my favorite part of this chapter, the meeting between healers. Thalahir is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters in this story! A little cold, intelligent, but also a kind person who is a healer is just what Thorongil needs now. He might come to be almost what Elrond is to him, apart from coldness and slightly inferior skills in some areas. Well, perhaps not quite that close, but a friend nonetheless. It was entertaining to see Thorongil stunned at that lack of medical knowledge at the halls, and even more when he got the chance to show the technique with the pig, and his answer to the comment about herbs ("I will not, sir").

WindSinger

Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 10/20/2016

Wow -- another chapter! YEAH! And I just love how our Elf raised, heir to the crown, manages to explain his level of expertise and knowledge without raising too many questions. Very nice!!!

shadowbride

Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 10/20/2016

squeals with excitement; I`m so glad for an update. I`m not sure if I`ve left a review before for this story, but I will today and should more often (hangs head in shame).

I really love this story and feel the characterisation of Thoronogil and Denethor is spot on. There`s a good level of tension; in terms of Gondor`s position and in terms of our heros with Denethor.

I`ve read LORT so many times over the last 30 years and when I consider the level of skills Aragorn has in battle, in healing and in wisdom I frequently question how he could have kept his lineage hidden for the 20 or so years he lived in Gondor as a simple solder and captain. I think JRRT hints, in the Tale of Aragorn and Arwen, that Echthelin and Denethor had probably worked it out and that may have been another reason among many that he finally left. However, if I had been a resident of Gondor at the end of TTA I think I might have questioned how one man could be so good at everything!

anyway looking forward to the next update. I hope Denethor doesn't bite his tongue giving T his sword back.

Kath

Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 10/20/2016

Another wonderful chapter. Thank you for giving it to us on Aragorn's (Viggo's) birthday!

How did Ecthelion produce Demethor? So glad he intervened over the sword.

Hope we don't have to wait so long for the next chapter. (Hope all is well with you!)

Many thanks.

Rowanfair

Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 10/20/2016

First of all - thank you! I had not expected my prayers for more to be answered that fast.Another patience challenging cliffhanger and bundling of all loose threads so far... you managed to rise expectations even higher with that one.Somehow I can`t fight the impression we are to expect some major change within the coming chapters.

First - Thalahir will certainly report to his steward about that unusually skilled Guardsman. Glad you refrained from picturing Gondors mightiest healer as some arrogant "god in white". Instead he is willing to learn from his "superior in skill" despite the latters incomprehensible monstrous lack in status.

Second - for the first time Ecthelion insists in correction of his sons animosity towards Thorongil.

Third - Minardil prepares not only for close camaraderie with his "lowest" soldier, but for trusting utterly in that "captain in disguise"s advice.

Fourth - I sense trouble drawn up from direction Ithilien - stressing the need for another "great captain" as already announced by Thorongil.

Last but not least - Denethors Sister seems to steer towards some deepest need for the most skillfulhealer in her fathers realm.

Most thrilling suspense guaranteed, as far as I´m concerned...Many thanks and pray, do not make us wait that long again, please!

shirebound

Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 10/20/2016

The steel of Westernesse tarnishes with time, just as baser alloys do,' he said. 'That sword shines with the careful labour of one who knew how to tend it.

Such a simple, yet perceptive observation. I like how Ecthelion cuts through complexity and emotion to the heart of matters.

UTfrog

Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 10/20/2016

Excellent. I loved the summary of care for the wounded. The discussion between Ecthelion and Denethor was even better. Thank you so much for continuing this wonderful story